“La Nina conditions are now occurring in the Pacific Ocean. Typically, La Nina brings colder temperatures over the Great Lakes and more than normal ice conditions.” This is one of the statements in the Great Lakes Seasonal Outlook for Winter 2010-2011. This Dec. 14 photo of the iced Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse on Lake Erie certainly supports the above statement.

However, the Outlook also states that “temperatures were milder than normal over the Great Lakes during the last 4 La Nina (1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2000-2001, and 2007-2008)” and “near normal temperatures are forecast for the month of December.” “This season has gotten off to a quick start thanks to cooler than normal air temperatures across the lakes. With the Climate Prediction Center suggesting below normal temperatures likely over the next three months, we may be looking at a more typical La Nina year, with more severe ice conditions than normal,” states the National Ice Center’s (NIC’s) Great Lakes Analyst, Brian Jackson.